Articles in this Issue

19 articles
1
Research Article

Aflatoxin Contamination in Spices Sold in Ilorin, North-Central, Nigeria

Ahmed El-Imam*, Amina, M, Oguntimehin, S. A, Sanni, A.

Spices are commonly contaminated with aflatoxins, a group of potent mycotoxins produced by moulds. This study investigated the incidence of aflatoxigenic fungi and aflatoxin contents in spices commonly used in Ilorin, North Central Nigeria. Sixty samples of thirteen different spices were purchased from three markets. Fungal isolates were identified using phenotypic characteristics. Aflatoxin conta...

Jun, 2023 pp. 6424-6431
2
Research Article

Bacteriuria Among Diabetic and Non-diabetic Patients in some Hospitals in Rivers State, Nigeria

Hanson, A. H*, Akani, N.P, Williams, J. O., Sampson, T

Among the great diversity of etiological agents attributed to urinary tract infections, bacteria are the major causative organisms that are responsible for more than 95% of Urinary Tract Infections ( UTIs). This study aimed at the isolation and identification of bacteria in urine from diabetics and non-diabetics. A total of 300 mid-stream early morning urine specimens were collected from diabetic ...

Jun, 2023 pp. 6432-6441
3
Research Article

Antibiogram of Clinical Isolates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species Producing Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL)

Ovia, K. N*, Ibiam, U, Okoh, N, Okafor, C, Eromonsele, B, Okoroafor, I, Ejikeugwu, C

The public health threat posed by bacteria producing extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) is increasingly contributing to the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) which is slowly ushering in a post antibiotic era – where no antibiotic is likely to work. AMR is a global health threat that warrant urgent steps to mitigate its growing ugly trend. This study investigated the susceptib...

Jun, 2023 pp. 6442-6450
4
Research Article

Cultural and Molecular Characterization of Bacterial Contaminants from Pounded Yam Sold Along Major Roads in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Womboh, S. B*, Ajumobi, V. E, Ebute, P. A, Iheukwumere, C. C.

Roadside foods are often contaminated by various pathogenic bacteria, which can cause food borne diseases. This study was aimed at using molecular methods to identify bacterial contaminants in pounded yam sold along major roads in Makurdi metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria. Isolation and biochemical characterization of the bacterial contaminants in pounded yam samples was done on Nutrient agar, Eosi...

Jun, 2023 pp. 6451-6458
5
Research Article

Impact of Pesticides on Microbial Population in LASUSTECH Agricultural Field, Nigeria

Aina, O.R*, Olaleye, O.N.

Pesticides are used to increase crop production. Besides combating pests, pesticides affect the activity of beneficial soil microbial communities thereby affecting the nutritional quality of soils. This study investigated the impact of pesticides on the ecological activity of microorganisms in LASUSTECH agricultural field. Twenty milliliters of Fungicides (Copper (1) oxide metalyxl and 2,3-Dichlor...

Jun, 2023 pp. 6459-6468
6
Research Article

Incidence of Bacteria Associated with Post Harvest Rot of Colocasia esculenta LIN (Cocoyam) Tubers Sold in Different Markets in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area, Nigeria

Danahap, L. S.*, Christopher, I, Okechalu, O. B.

The bacteria species associated with post-harvest rot of Colocasia esculenta Lin (Cocoyam) tubers sold in Bukuru market of Plateau State were investigated. Fifty (50) Samples of C. esculenta were obtained randomly from 3 different Markets within Bukuru and brought for analysis. The tubers were surface disinfect with Sodium Hypo chloride (NaOCl) for 5 minutes. A portion of the rotten sample and the...

Jun, 2023 pp. 6469-6476
7
Research Article

Fungal Laccase Production; a Tool for Biodegradation of Maize Cobs

Olagunju, A.*, Onyike, E., Ameh, D. A, Atawodi, S. E.

Laccases are increasingly being used in the biodegradation and utilization of biomass. This trend has led to increased need for development of efficient production systems. This research was carried out with the aim of optimizing the fermentation conditions of selected and consortia of four fungal species (Lachnocladium flavidum, Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma reesei, and Lenzites betulina) for pr...

Jun, 2023 pp. 6477-6486
8
Research Article

Production and Proximate Composition of Yoghurts from Tiger nuts and Soybean using Lactic Acid Bacteria Starter Cultures

Obi, C. N.*, Chiekie, U. I, Oriaku, C. P, Ogele, C. P.

Traditionally, yoghurt is fermented whole milk. It is believed to possess nutritional and therapeutic properties. Appropriate aliquot of commercially prepared yoghurts was sourced and used to isolate LAB bacteria using standard procedures. The morphological characteristics of the isolates were studied and recorded. They were later stored in MRS agar slants at 4oC in the refrigerator for further us...

Jun, 2023 pp. 6487-6498
9
Research Article

Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Toxoplasma gondii among Pregnant Women Attending Ante Natal Clinics in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Adamu, S*, Doko M.H.I, Inabo H. I

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii an obligate intracellular parasite. It results in severe complications in the foetus if the infection is acquired during pregnancy including spontaneous abortion, low birth weight, congenital malformations and intrauterine death. The study was Hospital based and cross-sectional and was carried out among pregnant women attending anten...

Jun, 2023 pp. 6499-6507
10
Research Article

Bacteriological Quality and the Antibiogram of Isolates from Raw Cow Milk Produced in Ibadan Metropolis Oyo State, Nigeria

Adediran A.B*, Aforijiku, S, Adediran A.T, Fashogbon, R. O

This study aimed at evaluating the bacteriological quality as well as the antibiogram (antibiotic sensitivity profile) of organisms isolated from raw cow milk produced in Ibadan metropolis. Raw cow milk samples were collected from University of Ibadan Research farm, Bodija, Sabo and Akinyele cow settlement ibadan. Bacterial counts, isolation and phenotypic identification of bacterial isolated from...

Jun, 2023 pp. 6508-6516
11
Research Article

Effect of Fermentation Method on Nutritional, Anti-Nutritional Composition and Microbial Properties of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata) 'Iru'

Lawal, R.T*, Fabiyi, K, Aboderin, E.A, Adetuberu, I.A, Ajayi, A.N.

The study investigated the effect of fermentation on the nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of fermented mung bean ‘iru’ as a protein condiment. The mung bean was processed to mung bean ‘iru’ using the local method of producing ‘iru’ from African locust beans. The mung bean was sorted, washed and boiled for 1 hr. The boiled seeds was dehulled to remove the seeds coat, washed and boiled a...

Jun, 2023 pp. 6517-6522
12
Research Article

Microbiological, Nutritional and Organoleptic Changes Associated with Fermented Oil Bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth) Seed (ugba) Stored at Ambient Temperature

Obi, C. N.*, Oriaku, C. P, Ademe, O. F., Epundu, I. B., Okore, C. O.

Ugba is the Igbo name of the fermented African Oil bean seeds (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth). It is a traditional food condiment generally produced by natural fermentation and is an important and cheap source of protein for people whose staple foods are deficient in protein. The study was carried out to determine the microbiological, nutritional and organoleptic changes associate with ugba when ...

Jun, 2023 pp. 6523-6535
13
Research Article

Production of Fermented Cassava Flour (Lafun) using Lactic Acid Bacteria as Starter Culture

Abimbola, O. G.*, Adedoyin B. A, Ogunremi, O. R, Adeyemo, S.M

Lafun, a fermented cassava product, confronts challenges in terms of product quality and safety as a result of spontaneous fermentation systems. To resolve these issues, a production method utilizing starter cultures was developed. Lactic acid bacteria were isolated from fermented cassava and screened for their technological properties. The physicochemical parameters, proximate and antinutrient co...

Jun, 2023 pp. 6536-6547
14
Research Article

Human Papillomavirus among Nigerian Women: An Overview

Jabaka, R.D*, Kuta, F.A, Adabara, N.U, Shittu, K.O

Human Papillomavirus (HPV), is a DNA virus from the family Papillomaviridae (De, Sanjosé et al., 2018 and Virus Taxonomy, 2018). Capable of causing abnormal tissue growth, leading to warts and other changes to cells; thus, it is the major cause of cervical cancers globally. In Nigeria, the increase in the rate of cervical cancer infections and associated deaths is alarming. Thus, the present revie...

Jun, 2023 pp. 6548-6557
15
Research Article

Phytochemical Screening and Antibacterial Activities of Ethanolic and Aqueous Leaf Extracts of Alchornea cordifolia and Sida acuta on Organisms Isolated from Meat

Edward K.C*, Chijioke, D.U., Friday, C.G.

The ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Alchornea cordifolia and Sida acuta were screened for antibacterial activities against isolates from meat. A mortar and pestle were used to macerate the meat and a serial dilution was obtained. The diluents were cultured and biochemical tests were done. For the antibacterial activities, the disc diffusion method was employed while the macro broth dilution meth...

Jun, 2023 pp. 6558-6569
16
Research Article

A Review on Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis and Treatment of Candidiasis among Immunosuppressed Pulmonary Tuberculosis Individuals

Sule, H*, Kumurya, A. S., Yusha’u, M

Immunocompromized individuals are subject to various forms of infections including that due to opportunistic pathogens like Candida species (candidiasis), which exhibits variety of manifestations seen in different parts of the body of the affected individual. The review aimed to highlight on the occurrence of candidiasis among immunocompromized individuals like TB patients that show various manife...

Jun, 2023 pp. 6570-6576
17
Research Article

Fermented Rice Water for Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) and its Antimicrobial Activities against Microorganisms Associated with Skin Infection

Yusuf-Salihu, B.O*, Abdulmumini S. A, Ajao, A.T.

As a skin treatment, rice water is becoming increasingly popular. It is said to aid in the treatment of a variety of skin ailments. Despite the fact that rice water has some genuine benefits, science has yet to fully validate many of its claims. The aim of this study is to biosynthesize nanoparticles using fermented rice water and to carry out the antimicrobial activity of the synthesized nanopart...

Jun, 2023 pp. 6578-6587
18
Research Article

Beta-glucosidase Production by Aspergillus niger using Breadfruit Seed Hull as Substrate under a Solid State Fermentation

Osaro-Matthew, R. C*, Ughala, E, Emmanuel, G. O

Cost effective production of β-glucosidase which is of high value in most biotechnological processes requires an efficient microbial producer, technologies and biomass resources that are economical. This study aimed at evaluating the biochemical characteristics of β-glucosidase produced by Aspergillus niger under solid state fermentation using agro-industrial residues. Fungal isolates from spoilt ...

Jun, 2023 pp. 6588-6598
19
Research Article

Phytochemical Screening and in –vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Monodora myristica Seed Extract on Selected Human Pathogens

Whiliki O. O*, Dowe E, Otue E. I.

Monodora myristica is a spice whose various parts are used traditionally for the treatment of a variety of ailments. The purpose of this study was to determine the phytochemical constituents and in-vitro antimicrobial activity of methanolic seed extract of M. myristica against Staphylococcus aureus, Esherichia coli and Candida albicans. Plant seeds were collected, dehulled, air-dried, blended and ...

Jun, 2023 pp. 6599-6608